Deputy Speaker, the troubles at the Land Bank have been covered extensively in the media, and the work that this important institution is mandated to do effectively has been crippled by the corrupt behaviour of some of its officials.
We note the hon Minister of Finance's comments earlier this week that the Land Bank is on its way to recovery. This is a positive sign and also the first step towards the Land Bank operating efficiently and fulfilling its mandate. However, we must not forget that the dishonesty of officials and other people caused the Land Bank to be in this miserable state.
While we do understand that investigations are ongoing, there must be transparency in this process, and the people who were involved in corrupt dealings, both Land Bank officials and the beneficiaries of illegal loans, must be exposed and brought to book.
South African taxpayers need to know that their interests are being looked after and that corruption is not tolerated. They need to know the names of the people who abused their money and what action is being taken against them. I appeal to the Minister to provide this House with a detailed update on the investigations and to furnish us with a list of names of those who have been implicated in corruption at the bank, as well as what action is being taken against them. The IFP also hopes that every effort is being made to recover the funds that were disbursed illegally. I thank you.